Upper Eyelid Surgery

As you age over the years, you may begin to notice that your upper lids feel somewhat “heavy.” This may occur due to the loss of elasticity in the upper eyelid or eyebrow or both. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift surgery may have to be performed to correct this condition. Sometimes an eyelid lift and brow lift may be performed in combination.  

Upper blepharoplasty refers to the procedure that involves resection of redundant skin and/or musculature of the upper eyelid. Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics, led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Tanya Khan, provides safe and proven eye care procedures to patients in Plano, Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.

Aging of the Upper Eyelid/Brow Complex

In many cases, the reason for choosing an upper blepharoplasty may be purely cosmetic (to reduce the aging effects). But sometimes functional issues, such as obstruction of vision by the skin that overhangs may also necessitate this surgery. 

Functional upper blepharoplasty refers to the reduction of the upper eyelid to correct visual obstruction caused by redundant lid tissue. Patients may seek upper eyelid lift to correct overhanging skin, which may be compromising their youthful facial appearance. 

Management and clinical evaluation of both the cosmetic and functional concerns is essential. In addition, any ptosis of the upper eyelid (if the margin of the eyelid sits too low and covers the pupil) should also be taken into account. 

Basics of Upper Blepharoplasty

This surgical procedure may be undertaken with local or general anesthesia. The surgery begins with the placement of a small incision in the crease on the upper eyelid to remove the excess fat and tissue, and preserve enough skin to permit closure of the normal eyelid. At times, only a small amount of the orbicularis oculi (the muscle that closes the eyelid) may be removed. 

Fat is typically kept in the center of the eyelid, but careful removal may improve aesthetic contour of the upper face. On the completion of the surgery, fine sutures are used to close the incisions. The cut should be made in the crease of the eyelid to make the scar less noticeable after healing.

Recovery

Generally, patients may experience mild swelling or bruising around the eyes for around one to two weeks. Some surgeons may ask the patient to avoid eye makeup for at least two to three weeks. They may wear glasses immediately after the surgery, but may be instructed to avoid wearing contact lenses for a few weeks.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results from upper eyelid surgery should last for a long time. For the most part, removal of upper eyelid skin and hooding is a surgical procedure that is undertaken only once. As you continue to age, your brow may drop or descend, leading to the reappearance of excess skin on the upper eyelid, but the solution in in such cases will be to go for a brow lift, and not a second upper blepharoplasty.

When to Consider Upper Eyelid Surgery

• If you have extra, hanging skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• If you have loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids over your eyelashes
• If your upper and lower eyelids appear puffy, making your eyes look aged and tired
• If you have deep grooves under your eyes

What will My Eyelid Surgery Scars be Like?

Your surgeon will mark the creases of your lids and natural lines and try to hide your scars as much as possible along these natural folds. Fine sutures will be used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing visibility of the scar.

Oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan receives patients from Plano, Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for advanced eye care treatments. 

Contact Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics and Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan Today to Schedule an Appointment

For more information about procedures and treatments at Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics by Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan. Click here to contact us.

Taking patients from in and around Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Carrollton, Irving, Frisco, Texas and more.